23 December 2009, 17:59
eezridrBad weather stock options
We all know the merits of a good synthetic stock for use in a challenging environment such as the Alaskan Penn. The issue I have always found with these stocks is that they are noisy in brush. Another option is laminents which are typically heavy.
I did "hear" one time that mesquite will only absorb up to 2% max of its weight in moisture. The least of any wood and that it is
extremely strong.
Would this be a good "wood" option for a stock if sealed properly? It would seem less likely to warp or deteriate in such an environment.
I know years back, this is the wood Weatherby put on all their 460's and I think it was due to the strength.
Comments??
EZ
23 December 2009, 21:19
larrysI found Mesquite to be heavier than walnut. Weatherby used screwbean mesquite, I believe. It was georgeous. Unless you want to pay some big $$$ for the blank, I don't know that it is worth it. I think Henry Pohl at Great American might still have one at about $500 for the blank. There may be some folks around Abilene that can get you a blank. I had Chuck at Abilene Mesquite Hardwoods keep an eye out for me and he did finally find a couple nice blanks, but they are straight grained and plain, which was fine for my projects.
I think that if you thoroughly seal walnut properly, it will perform just fine. The trick is to COMPLETELY seal it several times.
23 December 2009, 21:30
plainsman456Just seal it real good and then wax it good.It should shed water.